About
Tucked along Candelaria in one of Albuquerque's oldest neighborhoods, Albuquerque Water Gardens & Nursery is a sprawling oasis that feels worlds away from the big-box garden centers across town. Owner John and his wife have run this water garden and fish store for many years, and regulars come as much for the calm of wandering the grounds — past multiple display ponds planted with water lilies — as for the plants and pond stock they carry out. " The pond plant selection is the deepest in town.
You'll find lotus in both dwarf and standard varieties, water lilies, frog bit, rushes, and a wide range of aquatic plants, with specialty specimens running from around $30 up past $100. The pond livestock is the real draw for water gardeners: baby koi, goldfish, snails, and toad tadpoles for sale in Albuquerque, NM, plus the supplies to build a functioning backyard ecosystem. One visitor noted the pond gear here is "better found" than at most shops — material not every store bothers to stock.
" Beyond the water garden core, the nursery is packed with shrubs, trees, fruiting plants, hibiscus, roses, grapevines, chile plants, and even harder-to-find herbs, alongside Talavera pots, ceramic planters, fountains, and pond liner. Seasonal finds range from Christmas trees and handmade wreaths to bright poinsettias. The plants are locally grown and already acclimated to New Mexico's arid climate and stubborn soil, which gives them a real survival edge over shipped-in chain-store stock.
For pond keepers and backyard gardeners alike, this is the definitive Albuquerque, NM destination.
What they offer
Fish & livestock for sale at Albuquerque Water Gardens & Nursery in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Water Gardens & Nursery stocks koi, goldfish, invertebrates, aquarium plants and pond & freshwater fish for sale in Albuquerque, NM. As a fish store serving Albuquerque, NM, it also offers aquarium consultations and pond services.
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
- PondFreshwater
Highlights
What makes them special
- Deepest pond plant selection in Albuquerque — lotus, water lilies, frog bit, and rushes
- Pond livestock for sale: baby koi, goldfish, snails, and toad tadpoles
- Locally grown plants acclimated to New Mexico's arid climate and soil
- Multiple display ponds on-site create a calm, walkable oasis
- Honest, knowledgeable pond and plant care advice from owner John and staff
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Very nice, they had everything we were looking for.”
— David Brooks5.02 weeks ago“Got a little tree for our backyard. The lady helping us was super kind and knowledgeable. She was super passionate, too. She straight up told us that if we didn’t wanna invest in care and water to just get a cactus lmao. Will be coming here for future plants!”
— Jason C5.04 weeks ago“Such a great place to walk around and check out all their plants and gardens. The service was amazing, honestly some of the best I’ve had in a while. Thanks so much, I’ll definitely be back!”
— Barbara Gordon5.0a month ago“Previous 5 star rating was changed. A potential exchange in product that I had purchased 2 hours earlier didn’t mean that you had to insinuate that I had caused the damage. Also, when I called to see what time you were closing, which was near the 5 pm hour, I politely asked what time you closed today so that we could deal with the issue. When told, I advised that I was on my way and your response was “Good, because I don’t want to be dealing with this 3 months down the road”. Unbelievable. It’s unfortunate that I had already put my plant into my pond, as I would have requested every single penny back that I spent here. Your hate doesn’t deserve my business.”
— Ken Cordova1.0Edited a month ago“I visited this nursery for the 1st time and we will for sure be back!!!! Especially further down the warmer season. Their water ponds are beautiful and having live pond life like frogs and fish was gorgeous. Their pond supplies is also nice to see as some stuff; is better found or ordered; cause not everywhere supplies the things they had.”
— Ariel Niner5.02 months ago“Had herbs that not many places carry...even scored some tadpoles”
— Terri Sankovitz5.0Edited 2 months ago“They have everything you need.....for your ponds, indoor and outdoor plants and trees....pots.. fish...and fun decor items!”
— Amy Ostlie5.0Edited 2 months ago“I love - love this place. And on a pretty blue sky day just walking around.”
— Jerelynn Newcomb5.03 months ago“Found the prettiest Christmas tree ever here. Great prices and the friendliest folks in Albuquerque. They’ve got handmade wreaths and super bright poinsettias too! Really recommend them!”
— Janie Murphy5.02 months ago“Local nursery with a huge selection of plant material for NM climate and soil. Staff is very knowledgeable.”
— Karl Horak5.0Edited 4 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (505) 246-8278 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Albuquerque Water Gardens & Nursery.